Ballast Point Unfiltered Sculpin

Finally tried this at BPs Miramar facility this past weekend and enjoyed it. Keep in mind, this was after 6 tasters elsewhere, all IPAs. I thought the mouthfeel was certainly bigger than regular Sculpin, maybe even NE level. Flavor seemed to be in line with regular Sculpin, and I didn't notice the extra hopping with my destroyed palate. I may give this another shot later on with fresher tastebuds.

 

Tasted and smelled the same as sculpin maybe my imagination but slightly more mouthfeel. Glad I got a single instead of 15$ six pack just 3$ single

 

To all who wish to know- Unfiltered Sculpin is not simply an unfiltered version of the sculpin recipe. 20% more simcoe and Amarillo were added (hence the package reading "extra hopped'). Additionally, a percentage of hops was moved from the boil to the whirlpool, giving it a softer bitterness and preserving more of those lovely volatile hop oils. It is lightly centrifuged to remove only the largest yeast particles, but it will still pour with a mild haze. I think the mouthfeel is noticeably softer as well. Fun to taste side-by-side with the original Sculpin!

 

Curious- what are you seeing for draft prices on a Sculpin pint as opposed to the other "hoppy beers"?

 

At my local beer bars they charge about 50 cents more per pint for Sculpin vs. other IPAs they have on tap (e.g., Bells Two Hearted).

I am willing to pay 50 cents more every once in a while. I always request a sample taste first since on more than one occasion the Sculpin was less than ideal (the keg was too old?).

Cheers!

 

Not saying that someone can't decide to pay x amount for any beer, regardless of format. It's all personal choice. I've overpaid for tons of beers that only come in bomber format.

 

What does a Bells Two Hearted 6pk go for in your area?

 

I don't know off the top of my head but I can report that I bought a 12 pack recently and it was just a bit over 20 bucks.

Cheers!

 

I thought the mouthfeel was better, I don't think it was your imagination, but I'm going to have to disagree that it tasted the same as regular sculpin. Much better aroma and taste imo.

 

Is that better as in more or better as in a differing flavor/aroma?

Cheers!

 

Better as in more.

 

I didn't have regular and unfiltered side by side but if there is a difference I don't think I'd be able to tell. IMO this is 100% marketing.

 

I like this but not as much as the original. I don't think it has the same bite.

 

I won't go there, but similar thoughts otherwise. Made a spur-of-the-moment stop at a BP location yesterday. Ordered Unfiltered. Could have fooled me. Tasted like Sculpin, which I admittedly haven't had in a while. That Chai VaS was pretty damn tasty, though.

 

I did last night--had my wife switch them around so I didn't know which was which. Drank with my eyes closed (not that the unfiltered is so hazy, which it ain't), and honestly I barely tasted any difference between them. The unfiltered is maybe a wee bit smoother/creamier, but def not worth another purchase. Some kinda opportunity got lost here by BP...

 

FWIW I had unfiltered Stone Enjoy By (on draft) and it tasted just like 'regular' Enjoy By to me.

It seems like both Stone and Ballast Point are trying to get on the cloudy IPA (e.g., the so called 'NE' style IPA) hype band wagon?

Cheers!

P.S. The unfiltered Stone Enjoy By I had was not the least bit hazy.

 

Sculpin.....on tap it is a very nice beer most of the time. Bottles/canned it's pretty average. I have had under two week old in bottles and it was pretty boring. GF is better in a package and pineapple was a bit chalky but I did like it . I won't buy sculpin anymore as the price is more than I can pay. I did pay around $24 for the mix 12 pack and felt Unsatisfied with the regular in the box.

Enjoy

 

I'll go to bat for Enjoy By Unfiltered, especially 02.14.16



Above: That January, poured from a crowler obtained at the mothership. Pretty sure I'm pouring slowly there. Below: From a bomber purchased 3+ weeks later. I probably did the pre-pour roll-bottle maneuver to agitate any sunken floaties. So while my draft Sculpin Unfiltered from Sunday looked pretty clear, these two Enjoy By pours appear to have played the part of hazy IPA better -- for better or worse.

 

Purchased a six pack and it did not disappoint. Need to try it once on tap.

 

I finally found this in my area and was able to drink a growler last night. After so many negative or meh reviews, I was very pleasantly surprised. I thought it had more hop flavor than regular Sculpin and I really enjoyed it. Disclaimer though... I like regular Sculpin and have no concerns with Ballast Point pricing.